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The present caste system of India is based on very much 
the same principle as the caste system in England. The 
accident of birth plays as important a part there as here. 
Wealth, high ranks and titles form the basis of the caste 
system here, while in India people recognize the greatness of 
the descendants of noble and self-sacrificing people, viz. the 
Brahmins, &c., merely from the accident of their birth. The 
rigidity of the caste system is equally cruel both here and 
there ; the differences arise from the differences of habits and 
customs. The ancient caste system was originally based on 
merit and the conduct of life. There were four divisions or 
classes into which the society was divided :—1. The Brahmins 
were the teachers and preachers of spiritual and other sciences 
or the followers of noble professions. In fact the people who 
devoted their life’s work for the welfare of the community 
were the Brahmins. 2. The Kshatriyas were the protectors 
of the country from enemies, and were charged with the keeping 
of the peace. 3. The Vaishyas were the farmers, bankers 
and tradesmen. It is interesting to note that the charging 
of interest on the money lent, more than the principal amount, 
was illegal. 4. The Sudras were the people who were engaged 
in the service of the first three divisions. They were unable 
to take up the duties of higher classes. 
The system of education among these people was unique. 
The schools were all built, kept and controlled by the Govern- 
ment of the country and the education was compulsory. All 
children, whether sons or daughters of kings or their subjects, 
rich or poor, were obliged to leave their homes at the age of 
six to reside in the Gurn Kul or University. They were clothed, 
fed and housed without any distinction of rank or caste, and 
educated in the sciences, professions or arts to which their 
intelligence, capabilities and activities guided them. There 
were no charges nor fees, all expenses being paid from the 
Government Treasury. After the completion of their educa- 
tion they were sent home, where they fell in with any of the 
great classes which they found themselves fit for. 
The earthly life was divided by them into four stages or 
Ashrams: (1) the stage of student life ; (2) of married life ; 
(3) of life in a forest ; (4) of a recluse or ascetic. Each human 
soul has distinct duties to perform in these four stages. In 
these stages the soul is taught the duties to the state, to the 
home, to God. The life was orderly, progressive, dignified 
and self-restrained, by which the soul was properly trained 
and developed. 
The position of the female sex in the Aryan society was very 
remarkable. Women were well educated. They have written 
